When your eyes are red, swollen, or burning from inflammation, your doctor might prescribe a steroid eye drop. Two of the most common options are prednisolone acetate, a potent corticosteroid used for severe eye inflammation and fluorometholone, a milder steroid often chosen for long-term or sensitive cases. Both reduce swelling and irritation, but they’re not interchangeable. Choosing the wrong one can mean ineffective treatment—or worse, side effects like raised eye pressure or cataracts.
The big difference? Prednisolone acetate is strong. It’s the go-to for serious conditions like uveitis, post-surgery swelling, or severe allergic reactions. It works fast, but it also carries higher risks if used too long. On the other hand, fluorometholone is gentler. It’s often used for mild conjunctivitis, dry eye flare-ups, or when you need to treat inflammation over weeks without damaging the eye’s natural structure. Think of it like this: prednisolone acetate is a sledgehammer; fluorometholone is a scalpel.
It’s not just about strength—it’s about how your body handles them. People with glaucoma or a history of high eye pressure usually avoid prednisolone acetate. Fluorometholone is safer there, but even it can raise pressure if used daily for months. Both can delay healing if used on infected eyes, so doctors always check for infection first. And while neither is meant for long-term use without monitoring, fluorometholone is the one your doctor is more likely to let you keep around for maintenance.
Cost, availability, and brand names vary, but the real decision comes down to your condition and your eye’s tolerance. If you’ve had a corneal transplant or severe autoimmune eye disease, prednisolone acetate might be necessary. If you’re managing seasonal allergies or mild irritation after contacts, fluorometholone could be all you need. Your doctor doesn’t pick one over the other by default—they match the drug to your eye’s needs.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real comparisons and patient-focused guides on how these steroids stack up against other treatments. You’ll see how they interact with other eye meds, what side effects actually happen in practice, and when it’s time to switch or stop. No fluff. Just clear, practical info to help you understand why your doctor chose one over the other—and what to watch for next.
A detailed side‑by‑side comparison of FML Forte (Fluorometholone) with prednisolone, dexamethasone, loteprednol and other eye‑drop steroids, covering potency, cost, side effects and usage tips.
